Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the massive fire near Hyderabad’s Charminar on May 18, 2025.
On May 18, 2025, A massive fire broke out in a building in Gulzar House near Hyderabad’s historic Charminar, killing at least 17 people, including a seven-year-old girl, several women, and children. The blaze, suspected to be caused by a short circuit, started around 6:00 AM in a commercial-residential building housing Krishna Pearls and Modi Pearls shops on the ground floor, with families living above.
The building lacked fire exits, and narrow entrances contributed to the high death toll, as thick smoke caused suffocation. Eleven fire engines were deployed, and rescue operations saved several people, but many were found unconscious and hospitalized, with some in critical condition.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock and directed officials to ensure rescue and medical support. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy visited the site, noting inadequate firefighting equipment and calling for stronger safety measures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh for the kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured from the PMNRF.
The Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency & Civil Defence confirmed the deaths, and investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing. The incident, one of Hyderabad’s worst recent tragedies, has raised concerns about safety in the congested Old City area, known for its century-old jewellery shops.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the massive fire near Hyderabad’s Charminar on May 18, 2025.
He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. In a post on X, he described the incident as “heart-wrenching,” offered condolences to the bereaved families, and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also assured that the state government and local administration were providing all possible assistance to the victims.